Saanen dairy goats are renowned for their exceptional milk production, calm temperament, and elegant, pure-white appearance. Originating in Switzerland, they are the largest of the dairy breeds and are known for their steady, dependable lactations and strong, well-attached mammary systems. Gentle, intelligent, and easy to handle, Saanens are ideal for both commercial dairies and family homesteads. Their hardiness and adaptability make them a favorite worldwide, and their striking presence continues to excel in show rings across the country.
Greenville, GA
Breeding Champion Saanens Since 1983
Flat Stanley visits Kickadee Hill Saanens
Flat Stanley arrived at Kickadee Hill Saanens dairy goat farm
on a sunny afternoon. The farmer introduced herself and said,
"You can call me Aunt Marilyn. Everybody does!".
The first thing that Stanley noticed was that it was so much
warmer in West Virginia than it was in Pennsylvania.
He immediately took off his coat.
Aunt Marilyn and Stanley jumped into the side x side and headed down the driveway to feed the adult chickens and the milking does. The chickens were already awake and outside enjoying the sunshine.
Stanley even found a couple of eggs in the nest box.
Stanley was eager to meet all
of the animals and to learn how
to care for them, so he was ready
to go when it was chore time.
The first chore Stanley did was
to feed the baby chicks.
These chicks are 10 weeks old.
They have shed their down and
have grown in all of their adult
feathers.
The chicks will be full sized and ready to start laying eggs at 5 months old. They eat chick feed and have warm water to drink. The red light hanging in their pen is for heat to help them stay warm while they are growing.
Stanley thought the chicks were adorable and they thought he was pretty cute too!
The next chore was to feed the male goats.
Aunt Marilyn warned Stanley, "Be careful. Farming can be dangerous. You can be seriously injured in a farming accident". But Stanley was too excited to listen. He went over to pet Leonard, and Leonard ate his arm.
Oh no!! They hurriedly checked Leonard's mouth, but the arm was gone.
Poor Stanley will need to go to the flat people hospital as soon as he gets back home so that they can make him a new arm. Stanley told Aunt Marilyn, "Well, I think I'll listen to your warnings next time".
Stanley was so excited to be allowed to milk Gracie. Gracie calmly ate feed while Stanley milked her. The machine makes it easy! Gracie produced an entire gallon of milk this morning.
The barn cats received a pleasant surprise from Aunt Marilyn. She bought a new refrigerator and gave the box to the cats. You know how cats love a good box! They quickly moved in their cat beds and made it into their home. They will be warm all winter now that they have this new box.
Stanley feeds the work crew their morning milk.
Paw-Paw is a Great Pyrenees dog. His job is to protect the goats and chickens from coyotes, raccoons, opossums (see the sign?) and owls.
Helen the Cat and Pearl the dog both work in the Rodent Control Department. Their job is to keep all mice, rats, squirrels and birds out of the barn.
The chickens enjoy milk too. The calcium in the milk makes the egg shells harder and protects the egg from breaking.
Chores are done!
Arlo and Leonard are enjoying the sunshine.
Stanley is not in this pic. He's still a little bit nervous about getting too close to Leonard.
The does are playing in the pasture.
Stanley hollers, "Have a great day!"
There's time for one more selfie with Anna.
Ava munching on some sweet alfalfa hay while Anna and Laverne enjoy some warm spring water to drink.
Stanley climbed up the stack of hay to get a bale down for the goats to eat.
Alfalfa hay has protein and calcium to help them make milk and to stay warm in the cold winter months.
Gracie and Stanley posed for a selfie before Gracie went back to her pen to eat her morning hay.
HAY TIME!
Olivia and Jennifer enjoying their hay on the front porch while Stanley admires them.
"Whew! This hay mow is so far up in the sky!" said Stanley with surprise.
"Look how little Fuzzy looks down there!"
Stanley making sure that Jennifer has lots of yummy hay to eat.
Leonard apologized to Stanley for eating his arm. Stanley said,
"Next time, I will be more careful". All is well.